Jack’s wild look earns nod from Wallabies

MICHAEL Cheika has backed a wild-eyed Jack Dempsey to stand up to the abrasive Springboks forwards after the Wallabies coach handed the NSW flanker a starting role and sent fellow rookie Ned Hanigan to the bench.

Dempsey is one of three changes to the run-on team from the Wallabies’ last-start win against Argentina and all three additions will be making their starting debuts.

Raw-boned Queensland lock Izack Rodda has been named to start alongside Adam Coleman in just his third Test and ex-NRL winger Marika Koroibete will start after only making his debut in the last Test.

Hanigan has been included on an extended bench, with Lukhan Tui also named as a potential back-row reserve.

Veteran hooker Stephen Moore has also returned for Jordan Uelese.

Cheika said it was time to “change it up” and give Dempsey, 23, a shot in the No.6.

“Realistically he (Hanigan) should never had to play seven games in a row from his debut when he wasn’t even playing Super Rugby at the start of the year,” Cheika said.

“We could have given him a chance, taken him out, give him another chance and let him build. But he has done so well. It’s just a different challenge for him this week.”

Dempsey, who went on the Spring Tour last year but missed most of the Super Rugby due to a broken foot, is noted for pace and mobility.

But Cheika is also fond of the 23-year-old’s angry streak.

“The eyes roll in the back of the head with Jack, if you know what I mean,” he said.

“He gets very aggressive and that’s what I like. You have to have one or two of those guys in your pack.”